YAOUNDE, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- President Paul Biya of Cameroon said Sunday that the government plans to create 500,000 jobs for young people in 2019.
"The government will pursue the operationalization of a forward planning job management system," Biya said in a televised message geared toward the younger generation on Sunday evening.
"Access to vocational training will be improved by diversifying sectors and increasing training in new centers. The level of training will be improved," Biya said.
However, Cameroon continues to "face the problem of youth unemployment" despite measures to create employment opportunities, he said, noting that the economy is "not buoyant enough."
Biya quoted forecasts predicting growth in Cameroon's economy from 3.8 percent in 2018 to 4.4 percent in 2019 and 4.7 percent in 2020, saying this could mean "positive spin-offs for youth employment."
Biya's speech came on the occasion of National Youth Day celebrated annually on Feb. 11.
